At Watsonville Community Hospital, diagnostic imaging is used to create a graphic depiction of the structures and functions of the body’s organs and other internal systems. These images are used to examine and diagnose certain medical conditions.

CT Scanner

Thanks to CT scanning (computed tomography, often called a “CAT” scan) doctors can view a “slice” of the human body painlessly. Often used to diagnose life-threatening conditions and issues like cancer, blood clots, infections, lung and liver disease, head and spine injuries and internal bleeding, Watsonville Community Hospital includes CT scans among the variety of diagnostic tools we use to give patients of all ages a clear picture of illness and injury.

This service is available Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday morning appointments available, 8 a.m. – Noon

For more information, please call:
(831) 761-5626

Bone Density Scans

Osteoporosis means, literally, “porous bones,” and is a debilitating disease that can lead to bone fracture. More than 52 million Americans have low bone density and are at risk for osteoporosis— 80% are women. DEXA scans (which stands for Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry) are an advanced test available for measuring bone density. If a loss of bone mass is discovered, especially early, patients can receive treatment to prevent breakage and further loss. Watsonville Community Hospital is proud to offer this advanced test, and echoes the National Osteoporosis Foundation’s recommendation that women over 65 should get a DEXA scan every two years to diagnose bone density loss and hopefully prevent osteoporosis.

The procedure takes 10 to 20 minutes to complete. Depending on the patient’s condition, some tests may be covered by insurance plans. Check with your insurance carrier in advance.

Hours:
Bone Density scans are available Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

For more information, please call:
(831) 761-5626

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

It’s clear—precision is important during diagnosis. Of all imaging technologies, MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging gives doctors the clearest, most precise image of the inside of the body. It’s sophisticated, and uses a strong magnetic field to show the structure and detail of organs, soft tissue and bones, which can pinpoint all types of issues from abnormalities to disease. Watsonville Community Hospital performs MRIs with your comfort in mind. Nervous about your test? Just speak to one of our staff.

Our MRI facility is accredited by the American College of Radiology.

Hours:
MRI is available Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

For more information, please call:
(831) 761-5626

Mammography

More than 200,000 new cases of breast cancer are discovered in the U.S. each year. At Watsonville Community Hospital, we know the value of early detection and mammography is a tool we use to identify potential issues. An x-ray of the breast, mammography is used to look for breast disease in both women and men. It is a non-invasive, outpatient procedure that is generally not painful. At Watsonville Community Hospital, we’re dedicated to providing you with the most proactive care possible. If you have questions about your test or the results, your doctor or nurse can answer all of your questions.

We offer a full field digital mammography system in a private and comfortable mammography suite, with professional, nurturing staff and modern technology. Our mammography department is accredited by the FDA and the American College of Radiology.

Appointments:
Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

For more information, please call:
(831) 761-5626

Nuclear Medicine

A special kind of imaging, nuclear medicine creates images of the body and its functions by capturing the energy of a safe radioactive substance as it flows through the body. It’s used to detect tumors and infection by bringing to light a number of bodily processes from kidney function to blood flow through the heart and lungs. Nuclear medicine can also be used to find blockages in the gallbladder and bleeding into the bowel.

Nuclear medicine services are available Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. –  3:30 p.m.

For more information, please call:
(831) 761-5626

Ultrasound

Watsonville Community Hospital uses ultrasound as a painless, non-invasive way to diagnose a variety of diseases and conditions without the use of radiation, making this a widely used procedure during pregnancy. Sometimes called sonography, ultrasounds bounce high-frequency sound waves off the body to produce a real-time picture of the internal structures including organ formation, movement and blood flow.

Our department offers multiple ultrasound units to perform vascular, abdominal, OB/GYN and echo cardiology. This technology creates highly detailed, 3-D images of arteries and vessels.

All of Watsonville Community Hospital’s technologists are certified Ultrasonographers.

Hours:
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

For more information, please call:
(831) 761-5626